US Allows Citizenship for Illegal Immigrants After 8 Years

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The 'Biden immigration bill' allowing undocumented immigrants in the United States to obtain citizenship after eight years has been unveiled. This reverses the hardline immigration policies of the Trump administration, and with strong opposition from the Republican Party, the bill is expected to face difficulties before actual passage.

According to the New York Times (NYT) and CNN on the 18th (local time), twelve Democratic lawmakers from the House and Senate revealed an immigration reform bill that would enable 11 million 'undocumented immigrants' residing in the U.S. as of last month to obtain citizenship. The bill, reflecting President Joe Biden's immigration policy, allows those who meet requirements such as background checks and tax payments to receive temporary status as permanent residents after five years and apply for citizenship three years later.

If the bill passes, the term 'resident' in U.S. immigration law will be replaced with 'non-citizen.' An administration official explained, "This is to better reflect President Biden's values on immigration."

So-called 'Dreamers,' who are eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), will be able to obtain permanent residency immediately and apply for citizenship three years later. The number of immigration visas issued annually will increase from 55,000 to 80,000.

Senator Bob Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized on the day, "We have an economic and ethical obligation to pass a large, bold, and comprehensive immigration reform bill." The Democratic Party stated that this immigration reform bill is a humanitarian response to former President Trump's zero-tolerance immigration policy and signals extensive changes to the U.S. immigration system.

The Washington Post (WP) evaluated that if the 'Biden immigration bill' passes Congress, it will be the largest immigration reform in 35 years since the legalization of 3 million undocumented immigrants during President Ronald Reagan's era in 1986.

However, with strong opposition from the Republican Party, it is uncertain whether the bill can maintain its original form. CNN quoted a White House official saying, "This bill is President Biden's attempt to reopen dialogue on reforming the U.S. immigration system," and that the administration is open to negotiations with Republicans. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "(President Biden) believes all elements of the bill are necessary but is willing to work with Congress."